The Ultimate Dream Job
We all want one! I know I do. I mean, I love my job at PennWell managing their recruitment division. There may not even be as great a job out there that matches my qualifications. But, is it what I dreamed about as I was growing-up, going off to college, and then entering the workforce? Heck no! In fact, I’d be hard pressed to even describe what my dream job would be.
I mean, it would probably be in a warmer climate, with close proximity to a beach (no more than a stone’s throw) and where the local language is not English. Oh wait, that’s not my dream job, that’s my vacation I’m describing. On second thought, shouldn’t going to work at your dream job feel kind of like your on vacation? Or at least identify with a personal passion?
Unfortunately, most of us don’t have and will never have what can be referred to as a dream job. We’ll have to resolve to working in jobs that we tolerate, like, maybe love, or hopefully at least fulfill a need such as achievement and/or belonging, as we all need a means to pay our way through life. In Marsha Sinetar’s book, “Do what you love and the money will follow” she discusses that by putting a priority on pursuing your passions you’ll find your way through life, including making a living. Putting aside the altruistic and deeper spiritual side to this way of thinking, the truth is that if most of us did what we loved, or dreamed about as a primary career choice, we might starve due to either the pay not meeting our chosen life style requirements or our talents in that area not being able to command a reasonable salary.
Last week I wrote about the Just in Time Resume and that you should take the time required to keep your resume up to date in an effort to always be prepared. This week I would like to tie that into the Email Job Alert functionality that can be found on job sites like PennEnergyJOBS. This personalized feature essentially works as your own personal dream job notification system. Essentially, as a registered user on the site you have the ability to create multiple alerts based on your specific job search preferences (location, job title, keywords, employer, etc.). Each time that a new job is posted that matches the criteria you have setup in your alert, you will receive an email notifying you of the match. A key point to note is that on a site like PennEnergyJOBS, you’ll only be notified when an actual match is found – no unwanted emails to clutter up your inbox.
So in an effort to be proactive with your search for your dream job, I encourage you to take the step of creating job alerts on PennEnergyJOBS (as well as other sites) and put the onus on the job site to notify you of new matches.
I know I want to be amongst the first to hear when my dream job gets posted!
Tags: dream job, job alert, job search, PennEnergyJOBS
October 28th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
I hear you about the dream job, I am an Oregonian though, so id rather stay right here in Portland so im an hour from the beach and an hour from the mountain. Outdoorsy type! My jobs have always been fun or maybe its just me having a great time at them. If work was work then what fun would it be? In my world everyday is vacation and I make everything positive. I am unemployeed right now from my dream job and i’ve been hunting for my next career. Id like to get into the green movement, but alot of my back ground is in the A/V field. So I’d like to combine them some how to get the most out of my knowledge.
October 28th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
To comment on Larry L’s email dated 28OCT08. Thanks for that input. Reminded me of some words I once read: “Life consists of 10% things that happen to you, and 90% how you respond to them.”
November 4th, 2008 at 6:46 am
I doubt if there’s possibility of me getting a job through this agency considering the fact that i’m well trained in reservoir exploration modelling but inexperienced.how do i get the experience if i dont get the chance to work in the oil and gas industry?
November 4th, 2008 at 9:23 am
David,
The point you raise is one that I am presented with very often in fact. Not that it helps your situation; however you should realize that you are certainly not alone in this predicament.
Ideally, you need to find an employer looking to fill entry level positions with individuals who are educated in this area of expertise. This will give you the opportunity you are seeking to build your industry experience.
As an alternative, you can also look for internships or stages where an employer will provide you the work experience with little or no pay. Although, working for ‘free’ is not something everyone can do, it certainly does provide a foot in the door which can often times be leveraged into a full-time job.
I encourage you to stay abreast of all of the new opportunities posted to PennEnergyJOBS and other job sites and to only apply to those where you feel you may be qualified. I your cover letters be sure to stress your positive attributes (i.e.: your education) when applying to positions and avoid making excuses for your lack of experience.
Good luck with your search!
December 30th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Work/Life balance is a dificult topic.
I got an Engineering Degree, went back and got a Masters degree and have some 30 years of very good solid experience…….but I can not seem to fine a job I want.
Employers expectations are excessive and I am no longer willing to work 80 hour weeks away from home on a long term consistant basis. I would rather be vastly underemployed and have the reasonable home life I feel I have earned.